Dentistry Memphis

Tips for Avoiding Dental Implant Failure

Tooth loss is a fairly common oral health concern. There are numerous treatments that promise to restore the smile, but none offer more benefits than dental implants. Dental implants replace the crown and roots of a missing tooth to restore the strength and function of the smile while preserving the integrity of the jawbone.

Dental implants are placed during an oral surgery procedure. After surgery, it takes several months for the gums and jaw to heal, and for the implants to fuse with the patient’s bone tissues. Dr. Timothy Messer offers our Memphis, TN, patients tips for avoiding dental implant failure so that they reap the full benefits of dental implant treatment.

Adhere to Recommended Diet Restrictions

Following dental implant surgery, patients will be given explicit after-care instructions. These instructions include recommended diet restrictions. Patients are typically advised to follow a liquid diet for the first 24 to 48 hours after dental implant treatment. Patients can then progress to a soft food diet. It is usually several weeks before dental implant patients can resume a normal diet that includes hard or crunchy foods.

It is imperative that patients stick to the recommended diet plan. Any excessive force can disrupt the osseointegration process that allows implants to fuse with the jaw.

Take Any Prescribed Medication as Directed

Infection is the greatest risk of any surgical procedure, and also the most common cause of dental implant failure. To minimize the risk of infection, our Memphis patients may be prescribed antibiotics or an antibacterial mouth rinse. Any prescribed antibiotics should be used exactly as directed. Antibiotics destroy harmful bacteria and significantly decrease the risk of infection that could lead to dental implant failure.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene habits are another powerful tool when it comes to avoiding dental implant failure. Patients should resume oral hygiene habits immediately following dental implant treatment. Brushing and flossing eliminate sugars, starches, and food particles that attract bacteria. The incision site will be too sensitive for brushing and flossing the first few days of recovery, but patients can clean the teeth surrounding the site. To keep the treatment area clean until the site is ready for brushing, our Memphis patients can use an anti-bacterial rinse or a warm salt water rinse.

Refrain from Using Tobacco Products

Cigarettes and other tobacco products have been shown to restrict blood flow. Restricted blood flow deprives the surgical site of nutrients and oxygen that are vital to the healing process. If healing is delayed, the implants may not fuse with the jaw, which will result in implant failure. To promote timely healing, patients should refrain from using all tobacco products for at least two weeks prior to dental implant surgery, and another two to three months afterwards.

Keep All Scheduled Follow-up Appointments

Professional dental care is an important part of dental implant recovery. Dr. Messer will schedule periodic appointments to check on patients and see how they are healing. Patients should keep all scheduled follow-up appointments so that any potential issues can be addressed.

Contact Us

Dental implants are the strongest and most durable replacement for missing teeth. If you would like to find out if you are an ideal candidate for dental implant treatment, send us a message at your earliest convenience, or call (901) 751-1260 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Timothy Messer.

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I have been to several dentists in the Memphis Area and I have finally found THE ONE!! Dr. Messer is the best dentist I have ever been to. I have complete confidence in any procedure that he performs and I can't imagine ever going to any other dentist.